The presence of Hokusai in the Spanish press (1868-1912): biography, work and critical appraisal

Abstract

This article analyzes the impact of Hokusai in Spain as reflected in periodic publications during the last third of the nineteenth century and the first decades of the twentieth century which coincided with the Meiji (1868-1912) and Taishō (1912-1926) periods in Japan. It was the heyday of Japanese art and the phenomenon of japonism. The impact of Hokusai in Spain as seen in these periodic publications was not as major as that witnessed in other western nations which had closer ties with Japan and where the collection of Japanese art (especially of ukiyo-e prints) was more important. Nevertheless, the importance of Hokusai as a prominent Japanese artist was in fact echoed in illustrated magazines, and in a great part of national and local newspapers of Spain. These published news regarding his life and his work, in addition to offering information about his influence on other artists as well as reporting the collecting of his works. In this way the knowledge of both Hokusai and his work enjoyed a remarkable diffusion reaching all strata of Spanish society indicating the amplitude of his influence.